How To Install A Swimming Pool Liner

How To Install A Swimming Pool Liner

Learning how to install a swimming pool liner can save you between $1,500 and $4,000, depending on the size of your pool, and it’s a task that can be accomplished with the help of a few friends! It’s not as difficult as it might seem, and with accurate measurements, your liner will fit perfectly.
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How to install a vinyl pool liner

Check out our “How to Install a Swimming Pool Liner” videos, where we share some of the best practices for measuring and installing a rectangle vinyl inground pool liner. Start by watching the rectangle pool liner measurement video, and then move on to the installation videos. These videos demonstrate the best methods for measuring and installing a pool liner from Pool Warehouse. Please note that pool liners are measured differently depending on the manufacturer—if you’re installing a pool liner not sold by Pool Warehouse, these measurement tips and installation techniques may not apply.

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How To Install A Vinyl Swimming Pool Liner
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How To Measure A Swimming Pool Liner

Swimming Pool Liner Installation Tips

Step 1: Removing Your Old Pool Liner

  • Before you start MAKE SURE it’s not going to rain for at least 3-5 days.
  • First you will need to drain your swimming pool completely.  You can use a portable sump pump or rent a commercial pump from your local home improvement store.  Renting a sump pump will probably be faster, try and get one with at least a 1.5 inch hose and expect it to run for at least t hours depending on your pool size. Make sure to get enough drain hose so that the water you are draining will not return to the pool area – running it directly into a storm drain is best.
  • Remove all faceplaces (skimmer, main drain, returns, etc.) and step gaskets. A cordless drill will expedite this job.
  • Now is the time to cut liner into sections for easier removal.  You can cut it into 2 to 4 pieces to make it easier; some also cut around the liner, 6″ below the bead track, removing the bulk of the liner then returning to remove the small amount still in the bead track.
  • Inspect floor and walls for anything that might damage your new swimming pool liner.  Take the time to make sure the floor is smooth and in good condition; duct tape all seams on the walls so they won’t show through the liner.

Step 2: Install the new liner

  • Please note, You MUST completely install your liner & be happy with the fit before beginning to fill it with water. If you are not sure how to do this watch our How To Install a Swimming Pool Liner video above.
  • Position liner at deep end, outside the pool, with arrow facing the shallow end.
  • Remove from box and unfold width-wise.  Keep away from sharp objects like screws or screw drivers.
  • While two people hold the deep end corners, have two separate people take the shallow-end corners and pull the liner to the shallow end, keeping the liner away from any sharp edges. Avoid dragging the liner across the pool bottom.
  • Once in position, starting in the shallow end, snap the liner bead into the liner track, adjusting the liner so the seams are horizontal across the pool.  It is extremely important that the seams are lined up horizontally across the pool.
  • Once the liner bead is fully secured in the liner track all the way around the pool remove a small amount of the liner from bead and insert approximately 36″ of vacuum hose behind the liner – take care not to let the hose touch the pool base.  For best results do this on the opposite side of your skimmer and about in the middle of your pool.  Two vacuums may be necessary if you have a large swimming pool.
  • Tape hose into place and cover skimmer to create an air-tight seal for vacuum.
  • Turn on vacuum and let it pull the liner down into place.
  • Now adjust the fit of you pool liner as it is suctioned.  You may need to remove your shoes and enter the pool to help position the liner and remove any wrinkles.  Make sure to take all sharp object from your pockets before entering pool.
  • If the liner isn’t positioned right you may need to turn off the vacuum, reposition the liner by moving it around in the liner track and then re-apply the vacuum suction and finalize the fit.
  • When liner is pulled down snugly with no wrinkles, locate main drain by feel and install the gasket and faceplate.  Once faceplate and gasket are screwed on, carefully cut out the liner material inside the main drain and install the cover.
  • Do Not Turn Off The Vacuum.
  • Place garden hose in deep end of pool and start filling the pool, you may need to tape the end of your hose if it has sharp edges.  Do not begin filling your pool with water before you have the entire liner installed.  If desired, once there is 6″ of water in the hopper, a water truck may be used to fill the rest of the pool.
  • When water is 6″ deep in shallow end, remove vacuum and install step gasket/faceplates.
  • Once the water is 12″ to 18″ in the shallow end, the returns and skimmer gaskets/faceplates may be installed. Do not install these before those water levels, as the liner may stretch until then.

Alternate Way To Install Your Pool Liner

  • Instead of positioning liner at deep end, you may position the liner in the center of the pool (arrow side facing shallow end) and unroll it from there. This is extremely helpful if you are running short on help.
  • Follow remaining instructions from above Step 2
  • The above instructions should only be considered as a general guide.
  • You will need to follow the instructions that the liner manufacturer sends you along with your liner – they may have specific ways to install their liner that you will need to follow.
  • We cannot be held responsible if you follow the above instructions and the liner does not fit your pool.
  • These how to install a swimming pool liner installation tips are best practice for a Hydra pool liner but other factors could affect the fit, like incorrect measurements.
DIY Pool Academy by Pool Warehouse

Building, maintaining, and upgrading your pool doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Inside the DIY Pool Academy, we break down the complex processes into simple, step-by-step lessons so you can tackle any project with confidence.

Explore the DIY Pool Academy
Rectangle DIY Pool Build Process